Crocodile (Gavialis Gangeticus India Abstracts & Final Report to DST

Science Division, Environment & Conservation Group, Association of Scientific Research & Development

ABSTRACTSABSTRACTSABSTRACTSABSTRACTS

“NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CAUSES OF CROCODILES DEATH,

&

PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN ETAWAH, UTTAR PRADESH”

ON FRIDAY, 16TH & SATURDAY, 17TH JANUARY 2009.

AT 09:30 A.M

VENUE : LECTURE HALL,

SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL, NEW DELHI.

SPONSORED BY

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

&

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FOREST, NEW DELHI

ORGANIZED BY

ASSOCIATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT


CONTENTS

1. Contents & Foreword Page No 1 – 4

2. Welcome Address Page No 5 – 6

3. Inaugural Address Page No 7 - 12

4. Key Note Address

Page No 13- 16

5. Introduction

Page No 17- 20

5. About ASRD Page No 21 - 24

6. Programme Page No 25 - 30

7. Name of the Participants

Page No 31 - 38

8. Name of the Speakers

Page No 39 – 42

9. Abstracts

Page No 43 – 66

10. Summing Up

Page No 67 – 74

11. Recommendations

Page No 75 – 78

12. Vote of Thanks

Page No 79 – 84

13 Some Photographs Page No 85 – 95

1


2


FOREWORD

Additional Director General (Health),

Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital,

Principal of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College

From last two years continuously, Gharials are dying mysteriously in

the Chambal Region, the death tolls have increased alarmingly and

Gharials have declared by United Nations as endangered species.

I am happy to note that about 78 delegates from various parts of India

comprising of expert scientists, researchers and engineers are

participating in the conference. I would like to extend to all the

authors for their contributions / submitted papers. I am also thankful

to the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science &

Technology & Ministry of Environment & Forest, as no activity can

succeed fully without the proper support and participation from

concerned organizations and institutions. I take this opportunity to

record our sincere thanks for the continuous support, guidance and

encouragement from Dr. B. P. Singh, Scientist “G” Department of

Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology,

3


Government of India, New Delhi, Dr. Jagdish Chander, Scientist “F”,

Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science &

Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, Dr. S. K. Biswas,

Additional Director General, Census, Government of India, New

Delhi, I am also thankful to all staff, members of ASRD, Staff of

Safdarjang Hospital, Scientists from WWI, IITR, IVRI, Government of

India, District Magistrate of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, Chief Veterinary

Officer of Etawah Veterinary Hospital, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh,

eminent Scientists from Morena Wild Life Sanctuary & Research

Scholars from throughout the Country engaged in the fields of

Environment & Conservation Programme of Gharials.

Dr. Jagdish Prasad

4


“NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CAUSES OF CROCODILES DE ATH, & PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN ETAWAH, UTTAR PRADESH”

WELCOME ADDRESS

By

I. B. Singh Advisor/Scientist “G” Retd GOI, DST,

UNDP/UNIDO Expert, &

General Secretary Association of Scientific Research &

Development, (ASRD), Delhi

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all for the National

Conference on the Causes of Crocodile Death and Preventive

Measures in Etawah, U. P. jointly funded by the Ministry of Science

& Technology & Ministry of Environment, Government of India, New

Delhi. The main goal of the Conference is to provide a platform for

interaction, in addition to the exchange of Scientific ideas for all life

sciences students, scientists, environmentalists, Toxicologists, all

over India.

The theme of conference is to explore the ideas in crocodile

management, pollution problems, to reduce mortality rate in Chambal

at Etawah. This has continued for more than a year. Recently on 13th

January 2009, an adult crocodile died at village Gyan Pura of Etawah

District. So far scientist has not come across the causes of crocodiles

deaths.

5


We hope that your participation will return with good memories of this

conference. Again we would like to take this opportunity to welcome

the eminent speakers and the participants from various institutions

and colleges to this conference which we are sure it will be another

success.

I. B. Singh

6


“NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CAUSES OF CROCODILE DEATHS &

PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN ETAWAH DISTRICT OF UTTAR PRA DESH ON 16 TH & 17 TH JANUARY,2009 AT SAFDARJANG HOSPITAL L ECTURE

HALL NEW DELHI”

INAUGRAL ADDRESS

By

ANIL KUMAR Assistant Vice President (Enforcement),

66KV S/STN. BLDG., HARI NAGAR, NEW DELHI - 110064

Ladies and Gentlemen, participants, representatives of Ministry of

Science & Technology, Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi

& eminent scientists sitting on the dais & other dignitaries /

participants from various states of India, working in this area of

crocodile conservation. I feel extremely happy to be with you on this

great occasion. Crocodile is an unloving animal but its skin has

demands because of first shoes, bags were popular early in the

century. The use of crocodile skin was estimated 5 million per year in

1950s. However, due to human pressure on crocodile, their skin

demand declined & it had reduced the trade to less than 1 million in a

year during 1970s.

The decline in crocodile population in many countries has caused the

concern among the governments all over the world .The various

7


government & organizations world over initiated the action for their

conservation on account of their declining population. The World

Conservation Unit (IUCN) has a crocodile specialist group to look

after the interest of world crocodiles. The Convention on International

Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of 140 countries ratified

covering India to help in controlling the trade of these species which

are under pressure from over-hunting & loss of habitat. The

conservation becomes necessary from the value of skin, meat &

other by-products. The crocodile has a very important role to play in

aquatic habitats where it lives. As a matter of fact, it maintains

ecological balance being a master predator in the aquatic habitats.

The preying on weak & deceased fish & animals, it helps in

maintaining genetic quality by its habit of selective feeding. It also

controls predatory fish & their presence by helping to increase yield of

edible fish for human being. The Indian experience in crocodile

conservation was started about 25 years back, but as a result of

simplistic policy of bans & attempts to preserve wild life for its own

sake, thus drastically decreased the crocodile population. their is no

single conservation methods which can solved the problems faced by

wildlife in India & we go on continue to test new & innovative methods

of conservation.

8


The exact number of Indian crocodilian species (three) is not

available. However we have got only two monitored crocodile

preservations in India. The numbers of Ghariyals in the CHAMBAL

River is estimated over 1500 & numbers of salt water crocodiles in

BHITAR- KANIKA (Orissa) is about 600. The third Indian species is

known as Mugger found in most states in small number varies from

20 -200.They are found within the river system of the Brahmaputra,

the Ganges,& the Mahanadi with the small population in the Kaladan.

They are generally adapted to an aquatic lifestyle in the calmer areas

of the deep, fast moving rivers. They usually leave the water only to

bask & nest, both of which usually occur on sand banks. The

significant population of Mugger over 200 is still found in the states of

Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan & Andhra Pradesh. The

Ghariyals are mostly concentrated in M.P., U.P. & Rajasthan & the

other salties are found in the sunder bans & Andaman’s & Nicobar

Islands. According to ART (African Resource Trust)-1993, it is

estimated that the wild crocodile resource in India are as under:

Mugger -5000+,

Salt Water Crocodile – 1000+,

Gharial – 1500-2000

9


The breeding project sponsored by FAO/UNDP unfortunately

remained uncompleted & no efforts were made to implement trhe

final phase of the crocodile utilization as a conservation tool with the

results thousands of the crocodiles remains “stranded” at more than a

dozen Govt. run farms & at least one private owned farm has 3000

Muggers. As per the estimate captive population of the three species

is:

Mugger-5000

Saltwater Crocodile-650

Gharial – 500

Gharial is considered to be one of the most critically threatened of all

crocodilians , alarmingly close to extinction , too few of them remains

with us in the wild & the continuing loss indicates a long term

negative effect on the Eco System. In view of the above facts, the

crocodiles have been enlisted as critically endangered species by the

world Conservation Union. Last year (December-07) more than 115

Gharials had died mysteriously due to polluted Yamuna water and

Tilapia (Oreocromis) Africa fish which is good food for the crocodile

turned toxic prompting the Government officials to send a team of

experts to probe into the Crocodile’s mysterious deaths.

10


Most of the Gharial mortalities have been reported in the Chambal

river near the confluence of the Yamuna & Chambal at Etawah.

These deaths have concerned the conservationists, who believe that

there are only 1500 Gharials left in the wild, many of them in a

sanctuary based along the Chambal, one of the most unpolluted

Indian Rivers.

Life Style: The Gharial is one of the largest of all the crocodilian

species, approaching C.(Crocodile) Porous in maximum size-males

reach at least 5 meters in length & often reach 6 meters. Mugger

crocodile have a life span of 40+ years. The Variation in SNOUT

shape occurs with age. It generally becomes proportionally shorter &

thicker with the age. The elongated Jaws are lined with many

interlocking, 66-68 razor sharp & biting force of 5000 p.s.i.-an

adaptation to the diet.

At the age of 6 years both male & female reached their sexual

maturity. The female deposits the eggs in the hole nest an average

28(10-48 range) in the month of February -April. One month after

mating .

11


Conclusion: I hope that the Scientist, toxicologists, veterinarians

Doctors, environmental specialist, and pathologists will certainly

deliberate the causes of crocodile deaths & will suggest the

preventive & remedial measures for Etawah (Chambal Sanctuary)

(U.P.). Scientists may also recommend the future plan of action so as

to avoid the reoccurrences of such a large no of crocodile’s death in

ETAWAH. The scientists may also through light on the causes of

mystery deaths of the crocodiles which still remains untraced till

today.

As all good things comes to an end, I would like to end my speech by

extending my hearty congratulation & best wishes to the

Association of Scientific Research & Development ,Organizers &

all the dignitaries present here for their participation in this conference

Thank You

Yours Sincerely

Anil Kumar

A.V.P. ( BSES) Delhi

OFFICE OF A.V.P. (ENFORCEMENT), 66KV S/STN. BLDG., HARI NAGAR, NEW DELHI - 110064

…..touching your lives

12


“NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CAUSES OF CROCODILES DE ATH, &


KEY NOTE ADDRESS

Dr. B. P. Singh Scientist “G”

Department of Science & Technology Ministry of Science & Technology

Government of India New Meharuli Road, New Delhi.

India.

Ladies and gentleman, distinguish Scientists sitting on dais from

different states and Ministries. I feel happy to be with you on this

occasion. As you all know that last year around 115 Gharials died

mysteriously in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. As it is evident that two

phenomena were responsible for the deaths of Gharials in Etawah,

Uttar Pradesh.

The first phenomena of death was the proximity of the affected

population to the water of Yamuna river, which is exposed to

industrial & urban pollution at several cities like Delhi, Mathura, Agra,

Firozabad and then Etawah.

13


The second was an exotic variety fish Tilapia (Oreocharomis) of

Africa which had been long widely cultured in our country as a food

for fish, but had not escaped into rivers and spreading like a scourge

possibly killing off indigenous river fishes. It was speculated that

these fishes carrying toxicants with them from the polluted Yamuna

had subsequently been fed upon by the Chambal Gharials (Gavialis

gangeticus) thus exposing the reptiles to the effects of the toxicants.

This has not happened in the last 30 years in one of the cleanest river

Chambal of India.

We have to identify the toxicants with the close interactions of the

Scientists, Veterinarians, Toxicologist, Wild Life Scientists of the

Country through this conference.

Keeping in view above facts in mind on 26th January 2008 Dr. Brian

Stacey of Florida University, U.S.A, arrived at Etawah, Uttar Pradesh,

and he was of the view that flakes of Uric Acid Crystals in the joints of

Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) were found. The Symptoms has

eluded Doctors so far. It was also pointed out that gout was

preventing Gharials to move freely to thermo-regulate or bask,

resulting in their defibrillation and death.

14


The microscopic examination of kidneys tissues has sustained

damage because of toxicants present in the river, this has led kidney,

liver cirrhosis due to the toxic lead and Cadmium detected in the

Gharials but their concentration was within limit so far the mystery of

Gharial deaths was tough nut to crack, the specialists are of the view

that a puzzle of poison in river environment may be solved by

toxicologists. The facts enumerated and the pollution present in

Yamuna river water which carries the urban & rural pollution which is

responsible for their deaths.

Thus the Ministry of Environment & Forest had constituted a Crisis

Management Group on Gharial Conservation to find the cause of

disease and suggest the mitigation methods and established a field

station at Etawah because of the environment pollution issues

involved on the subject matter which is a great concern to all Scientist

of World over.

This conference is providing a platform to Indian Scientists through

ASRD to discuss the issues which has attracted the attention of

World Level Scientists including Indian Scientists since last year. This

problem has not yet been solved the mysterious deaths of Gharials

by any agency in India till date.

15


All Scientists are requested to solve this National problem which is

not yet tackled & very recently one Ghariyal (Gavialis gangeticus)

died in village Gyan Pura, of District Etawah, Uttar Pradesh on

13/01/2009. Which has been post - mortemed & necessary organs

have been sent to the Jabalpur, IVRI, Izat Nagar, & IITR, Lucknow for

toxicological investigations. This is a very alarming situation even

after laps of one year the deaths of Gharials, (which is declared by

United Nations an endangered species), is continued in Etawah, U.P.

It is a great National Loss.

I hope the two days deliberations will certainly suggest some

solutions and future plan of action to mitigate the Gharials death in

Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. So that such incidents may not occur in

future.

I wish all success for the National Conference on the Causes of

Crocodile Deaths and Preventive Measures in Etawah, Uttar

Pradesh.

Thank you.

Dr. B. P. Singh

16


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17


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“NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CAUSES OF

CROCODILES DEATH,

&


Sponsored by


&


On Friday, 16th & Saturday, 17th January 2009.

At 09:30 A.M

Venue : Lecture Hall

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

Organized By :


ASRD has invited Scientists from throughout India with an aim to apprise and

build conscious among the people and intelligentsia towards the prevention of

Deaths of Gharials in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

We all know that Gharials are dying and reached on the verge of extinction. This

situation has alarmed even United Nations, which has declared Gharials

endangered species. Many institutions and organizations working in this field on

different – different platforms. Inspite of several years nothing has came out

constructively for crocodile conservation. Even Ministry of Environment & Forest

19


has constituted Gharial Conservation Action Group & WWF India under which

they set up a field station at Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, to monitor Gharials closely.

Shri. I. B. Singh who is former Advisor/Scientist “G” Government of India, Department

of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, UNDP/UNIDO Expert, &

General Secretary of Association of Scientific Research & Development,

(National Level Scientific & Technical Organization), took up the challenge of

conducting a national conference on crocodiles (Gharials) on the behalf of

ASRD, invited various scientists and people working in the area of Crocodile

(Gharials) from each and every corner of India. Decided to bring some outcome

in the field of crocodile.

ASRD’s whole team worked very hard and within one month a National Level

Conference is organized. ASRD organized such kind of National Level

Conference in a very short period of time.

20


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ABOUT ASSOCIATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & DEVELOPM ENT

Association of Scientific Research & Development (ASRD), is a National Level

Scientific & Technical Association registered under societies act XXI,

Government of India. It is working in the fields of Science & Technology, Health,

Education, Social Welfare and Consumer Protection and Legal Affairs etc. ASRD

has organized various technical & scientific seminar/Conference/symposia etc.

with a strong base in the masses specially in Uttar Pradesh.

Various Organisations in India is working in the field of Gharials, millions of

rupees has been spent on this subject without any outcome till date we as a

National Level Scientific & Technical NGO collectively decided to sort out this

issue of Death which is interlinked with various factors which had out grown in

the due course of time. This problem has become so big it attracted whole world

including United Nations. UN has declared it endangered species. This particular

species of Crocodile, Gharial (Gavial Gangititus), is an important link of Science

& Environment.

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ASSOCIATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

&

DEVELOPMENT

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“NATIONAL CONFERENCE

ON THE CAUSES OF CROCODILES DEATH,

&


Sponsored by


&


On Friday, 16th & Saturday, 17th January 2009.

At 09:30 A.M

Venue : Lecture Hall

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

27


28


PROGRAMME

Chair : Dr. R J Rao

SESSION – I

12:00 – 12:30 Hrs IMPLICATIONS OF GHARIAL MASS DEATH EVENTS ON IT’S T HE LONG TERM SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES Dr. Dhruvajyoti Basu

Gharial Conservation Coordinator, Riverwatch GCA-WWF India.

12:30 – 12:45 Hrs DISCUSSION

12:45 – 14:00 Hrs Lunch

SESSION – II

14:00 – 14:30 Hrs CAPTIVE BREEDING AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF

THE INDIAN GHARIAL Dr. R J Rao

Conservation Biology Unit School of Studies in Zoology

Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474011


SESSION – III

14: 45 – 15:15 Hrs PRESENTATION & FINDINGS OF REPORTS

Dr. Devendra K. Patel Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, Lucknow

15:15 – 15: 45 Hrs DISCUSSION

15:45 – 16:15 Hrs TEA

SESSION – IV

16:15 – 16:45 Hrs ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION & FAILURE OF COMMON EFFLUEN T TREATMENT

PLANTS IN INDIA Dr. Shyam Lal

Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi


17:00 Hrs VOTE OF THANKS TO THE CHAIR

DAY ONE FRIDAY, 16TH JANUARY 2009

09:30 – 10:30 Hrs REGISTRATION

10:30 – 10:45 Hrs Welcome Address

10:45 – 11:00 Hrs Inauguration

11:00 – 11:15 Hrs Key Note Presidential Address

11:00 – 12:00 Hrs High Tea

29


PROGRAMME


13:45 – 14:45 Hrs LUNCH

SESSION – IV

14:45 – 15:15 Hrs PRESENTATION & FINDINGS OF REPORTS Dr A Das

Sr Scientist Center for Wildlife, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh


15:30 – 16:00 Hrs Q & A, SUMMING UP

16:00 Hrs VOTE OF THANKS VALEDICTORY FUNCTION

DAY TWO SATURDAY 17TH JANUARY 2009

Chair : Dr. B.C. Choudhary Co- Chair.Dr. R. K. Sharma

SESSION – I

10:30 – 11:00 Hrs CROCODILE CONSERVATION IN INDIA: CURRENT STATUS AND THE FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Dr. B.C.Choudhury Professor, Endangered Species Management Department, Wildlife Institute of India,

Chandrabani, P. O. Box 18,Dehradun.-248001.


11:15 – 11: 45 Hrs TEA

SESSION – II

11:45 – 12:15 Hrs NESTING PATTERN OF GHARIAL (GAVIALIS GANGETICUS) IN NATIONAL CHAMBAL SANCTUARY (2003 – 08)

Dr. R.K. Sharma National Chambal Sanctuary, Morena, (M.P.)


SESSION – III

12:30 – 13:30 Hrs PRESENTATION & FINDINGS OF REPORTS Dr AK Sharma

Principal Scientist ( Pathology) Center for Wildlife, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

30


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NAME OF THE PARTICIPANTS

1. Prof. Dr. B. C. Choudary, Vice President, WWI, Chandrabani, Uttranchal

2. Dr. Jagdish Prasad (Padam Sree), Additional Director General, (Health)

& MS, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital. New Delhi

3. Dr. S. K. Biswas, Additional Director General, Census, Government of

India, New Delhi.

4. Dr. Shri Bhagwan Vaisistha, Principal Scientific Officer (Scientist),

Government of India, Agricultural Extension, Pusa, New Delhi

5. Shri. Chander Pal (IAS), Secretary (Retd), Ministry of Industries,

Government of India, Udhyog Bhawan, New Delhi

6. Mr. Ravinder Kumar, Narcotics Control Bureau, GOI, New Delhi.

7. Dr. Ram Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Delhi

University, New Delhi

8. Shri. Keshav Sharma, G.M, Aparna Printers Pvt. Ltd. Okhla, New Delhi

9. Shri. Rajesh Kr Bajpai, Sr. Project Officer, Ministry of New & Renewable

Energy, New Delhi

10. Dr. A. K. Sharma, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar,

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

11. Er. Anil Kumar, Assistant Vice President, Enforcement, BSES, Delhi

12. Dr. Asit Das, Sr. Scientist, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly,

Uttar Pradesh

13. Shri. Dhruvajyoti Basu, Gharial Conservation Coordinator, Etawah Field

Station, Uttar Pradesh, W.W.F. India, Gharial Conservation Alliance,

New Delhi.

33


14. Dr. B. P. Singh, Scientist “G”, Department of Science & Technology,

New Delhi

15. Dr. Devendra K. Patel, Principal Scientific Officer, Indian Institute of

Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

16. Dr. Shyam Lal, Director (Retd), Ministry of Environment, Government of

India, New Delhi

17. Mr. Rajeev Prabhakar, Statistical Officer, World Health Organisation,

New Delhi

18. Shri. N. P. Rawle, Documentation Officer, Department of Science &

Technology, New Delhi

19. Professor Dr. Kavi Raj Singh, Senior Reader, C. C. S. Meerut

University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

20. Shri. Bhupinder Kumar, Assistant to Director, Ministry of New &

Renewable Energy, New Delhi

21. Dr. A. K. Bisoi, Addl. Prof., AIIMS, New Delhi

22. Dr. Iboyaima Singh, Associate Professor, A.I.I.M.S, New Delhi.

23. Dr. Bhawana Kumar, Asst’ Prof’, Drug Delivery Pharma, DIPSAR, New

Delhi.

24. Dr. Sushil Kumar, Associate Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University,

New Delhi.

25. Ms. Meetu Singh, ASRD, New Delhi

26. Dr. G. R. Singh, Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, C. G. O

Complex, New Delhi.

27. Shri. Amit Kumar, M. D, AMCO, New Delhi

28. Mr. Satish Kumar, Research Scholar, Biotech Division South Campus,

Delhi University, New Delhi

34


29. Maj (Retd). K. S. Rathore, General Manager, MAC International, Noida,

Uttar Pradesh.

30. Shri. Ajay Kumar, Technical Associate (Environmental), Bhagwat

Technologies & Energy Conservation Pvt’. Ltd. New Delhi

31. Dr. Ravi Ranjan Pandey, Department of Chemistry, Delhi University

32. Mr. D.P. Singh, Bureau of Police Research and Development, GOI,

CGO Complex, Lodhi Rd, New Delhi.

33. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Agriculture Research Officer (Technical) SENSE,

New Delhi.

34. Mr. Tajeshwar Singh, SSB, East Block, GOI, R. K. Puram–I, N. Delhi

35. Shri. Tulsi Ram (Retd.) S.O, Ministry of Finance, GOI, New Delhi.

36. Shri. Balbir Singh, Assistant General Manager, Rtd. MTNL, New Delhi.

37. Mr. Mehendra Kumar Lohmorh, A.K.M, Mehrauli, New Delhi.

38. Shri. Anil Kumar, M. D. International Inn, Green Park, New Delhi

39. Shri. Ashok Kumar, Assistant Commissioner, Income Tax, New Delhi

40. Shri. Navin Ranga, Legal Expert, Patiala House, New Delhi.

41. Shri. V. Senthil, Assistant Commissioner, I.R.S, New Delhi

42. Shri. Medhanshu Tripathi, Legal Expert, Tees Hazari, New Delhi.

43. Mr. Naresh Kumar Baswal, Senior Legal Consultant, Reliance India.Ltd,

New Delhi.

44. Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Research Scholar, J.N.U, New Delhi.

45. Shri. Vineet Chaudhari, Legal Expert, Delhi High Court, New Delhi.

46. Dr. Sunita Kumar, Lecturer, NIIT, Patna, Bihar.

47. Shri. Doyil T. Vengayil, Scientist “C”, Department of Science &

Technology, New Delhi

48. Shri. Ravinder Pratap Singh, Director, ASRD, New Delhi

35


49. Shri. Subhash, O/A Grade – I, A.I.I.M.S, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi

50. Mr. Arun Subramaniam, DRDO, New Delhi.

51. Shri. Rajesh Kumar, U.D.C, General Section A.I.I.M.S, Ansari Nagar,

New Delhi

52. Er. Kishan Chand Kaushal, Sadbhavana Foundation, New Delhi

53. Dr. Sanjeev Trivedi, Director, Software Solutions, Noida, U.P

54. Dr. Raj Kumar, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

55. Shri. Nisheeth Mishra, (I.P.S), S.P, Intelligence, Government of India,

Maharashtra.

56. Shri. Kamal Kumar, Sub-Inspector, Rajasthan Police, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

57. Shri. Sunil Kumar, D / R, I. C. M. R., H. Q. Ansari Nagar, New Delhi

58. Mr.Vikas Garg, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

59. Mr. Sachin Arora, AIIMS, Department of Pharmacology, New Delhi

60. Dr. Gulshan Kumar Ranga, Ophthalmology, AIIMS, New Delhi.

61. Dr. Ganga Ram, Principal Scientist, ICAR, New Delhi

62. Dr. V. S. Dinkar, (Retd.) Commissioner, Ministry of Water, Government

of India, New Delhi.

63. Mr. Dinesh Kumar Saini, Assistant Manager, Birla Sun Life Insurance,

Pitam Pura, New Delhi.

64. Mr. Sunil Kumar, (I.P.S), Addl’ Director, Directorate of Revenue

Intelligence, Government of India, New Delhi.

65. Ms. Gurpreet Kaur, Research Scholar, AMITY, Noida, U. P.

66. Shri. Balik Ram Gautam, Chief Pharmacist, C. G. H. S, Kalkaji, New

Delhi

67. Dr. Ajit Kumar, Director, Society of the Encouragement of Nature

Science & Economics (SENSE), New Delhi

36


68. Shri. Rajive Kapoor, CEO, M. D. International Inn, Green Park, New

Delhi

69. Dr. R. J. Rao, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

70. Shri. Praveen Jain, Assistant, SPC, New Delhi

71. Shri. Bhupeder, UDC, MNRE, New Delhi

72. Er. Rajbir Singh, Assistant Engineer, CPWD, New Delhi

73. Shri. Anil Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Bhagwat Technologies &

Energy Conservation Pvt’. Ltd., New Delhi

74. Dr. Rashmi Tripathi, Lecturer, Department of Zoology, Brahmanand

P.G. College, Kanpur. Uttar Pradesh

75. Shri. G. R. Sharma, Senior Account

s & Administrative Officer, UNDP, New Delhi

76. Dr. G. D. Gupta Scientist “G”, Rtd. Ministry of Science & Technology,

Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi.

77. Dr. Mrs. Gupta, Chief Medical Officer, Health, CGHS, Government of

India, New Delhi

78. Dr. Jagdish Chander, Director / Scientist “F”, Ministry of Science &

Technology, Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi

37


38


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40


NAME OF THE SPEAKERS

1. Prof. Dr. R J Rao Conservation Biology Unit School of Studies in Zoology Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

2. Shri. Dhruvajyoti Basu Gharial Conservation Coordinator, Riverwatch GCA-WWF India.

3. Dr. Devendra K. Patel Principal Scientific officer Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, (IITR) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

4. Dr. Shyam Lal Director (Rtd) Ministry of Environment & Forest Government of India, New Delhi.

5. Prof. B. C. Choudhury Endangered Species Management Department Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, P.O. Box – 18, Dehradun – 248001.

6. Dr. R. K. Sharma Scientist (Field), Research Range Officer National Chambal Sanctuary, Forest Department, Morena, (M.P.)

7. Dr A. K. Sharma Principal Scientist ( Pathology) Center for Wildlife, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

8. Dr. A. Das Principal Scientist (Pathology) Division of Pathology and *Centre for Wildlife I.V.R.I, Izatnagar (India)

9. Dr. Rashmi Tripathi, Lecturer in Department of Zoology, Brahmanand P.G. College, Kanpur. Uttar Pradesh

10. Dr , J. P. Srivastava Chief Veterinary Officer, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh

41


42


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43


44


“IMPLICATIONS OF GHARIAL MASS DEATH EVENTS ON THE LONG TERM SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES”

Dhruvajyoti Basu

Gharial Conservation Coordinator, Riverwatch GCA-WWF India.

ABSTRACT

The gharial Gavialis gangeticus is a charismatic crocodilian species of India,

which was on the verge of extinction about 4 decades ago. After over 3 decades

of sustained conservation efforts, its status had to be revised to Critically

Endangered in 2007 because of a reversal in its population trends. The

population of gharial in the National Chambal Sanctuary had been deemed the

most viable in a species Population and Habitat Viability Workshop in 1995,

which included population modeling with the VORTEX computer program that

incorporated a parameter of population dynamics called a catastrophe, whereby

a significant proportion of the population is periodically wiped out in a single

event. The mass death event of gharial in the winter of 2007-08, resulting in the

death of 115 adult/sub-adult gharials, had the makings of a catastrophic event in

the population dynamics of an endangered species. It is of significance that the

PHVA predicted the self sustenance of the Chambal population in spite of

catastrophes. This paper examines certain scenarios concerning population

catastrophes in the light of the mass death event of 2007-08 winter and

discusses the spatial-temporal implications of such events on the long term

survival of the gharial.

45


46


“CAPTIVE BREEDING AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE INDIAN GHARIAL”

R J RAO

Conservation Biology Unit School of Studies in Zoology

Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474011 Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) one of the three Indian crocodiles is distributed

in northern part of the Indian subcontinent. They are mainly found in India, Nepal,

and Pakistan. A few isolated individuals have been reported from Bangladesh

and Bhutan. They are more adapted to an aquatic lifestyle and present in fast

moving rivers in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi River systems. Males

mature at about 11.5 ft (3.5 m) at the age of 15, and females mature at 10 ft (3

m), as young as eight years old. They are seasonal breeders. Courtship and

mating occur in December to January and nesting from March to April. They lay

eggs on steep sand banks of the river. Average clutch size is 38 with a range of

17-55 eggs Incubation temperature determines the incubation period, shorter at

higher temperatures and longer at lower temperatures. Eggs are hatched in the

months of May – June. Parental care is observed, both male and females guard

nests in the wild, female dig out hatchlings from nests, and protect their

hatchlings till high floods in the river when the hatchlings disperse.

Captive breeding of gharial is reported from different zoos and crocodile

rehabilitation centres in India. The present paper focuses on the captive breeding

of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in different Indian zoos and crocodile

conservation centres in general and Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior, Madhya

47


Pradesh in particular. The observations reported in the paper will add more

species-specific information to the literature. Captive breeding of gharial occur in

different zoos like the Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh the

Nandankanan Biological Park, Bhubaneswar, Orissa; Madras Crocodile Bank,

Chennai Tamilnadu; Kukrail Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow, Uttar

Pradesh; and Jaipur Zoological Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Captive gharial bred at

Gandhi Zoological Park during 2007 and 2008. At Gandhi Zoological Park one

male and six females are present, which were brought from Deori.. They were

born at Deori Gharial Rearing Centre, Morena, National Chambal Sanctuary

during 1983 under ‘grow and release scheme of Indian Crocodile Project’. Initially

these gharial were kept in smaller enclosures but they were shifted two years

back into the breeding enclosure. Suitable measures were suggested for

enrichment of the breeding enclosure. During hatching time 21-30 June 2007 it

was found that 4 gharial were nested in captivity. However, due to extreme high

temperatures at Gwalior during May and June the hatching success of the gharial

eggs was very low. It is recommended that proper care and research studies

should be taken for successful captive breeding of critically endangered gharial in

Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior

48


PRESENTATION

&

FINDINGS OF REPORTS

Dr. Devendra k. Patel Principal Scientific officer

Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, (IITR) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

49


50


ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION & FAILURE OF COMMON EFFLUEN T

TREATMENT PLANTS IN INDIA

Dr. Shyam Lal Director (Rtd)

Ministry of Environment & Forest Government of India, New Delhi.

ABSTRACT

The pollution problems were identified during 70 & 80’s various enactments were

made to control three types of pollution viz air, water , & noise . The efforts were

made by central Government and state governments to remove pollutions in

rivers .Accordingly various common effluent treatment plants were established

in the country. Due to frequent power failures & floods, these common effluents

plants are not functioning properly, thus the major rivers Ganga & Yamuna are

still polluted. The paper describes the various types of plants and machinery

used in these plants and their cost structure are given . The government efforts

for controlling pollution has established state control boards and central

pollution control board to monitor pollution and maintain it at desired level . The

GCA is working for Ganga cleaning and other agency to clean Yamuna .

Pollution in Yamuna is one of the reasons for death of Gharials in Etawah Utter

Pradesh .

51


52


“CROCODILE CONSERVATION IN INDIA: CURRENT STATUS AN D THE FUTURE DIRECTIONS”

Prof. B. C. Choudhury

Endangered Species Management Department Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, P.O. Box – 18,

Dehradun – 248001. Email – [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The Crocodile conservation and management efforts initiated by several

crocodile supporting range states in India during the early 1970's was considered

a successful project till several Crocodile Rearing Centres and several Protected

Areas for crocodilians were established like wildfire ,and several thousand

captive reared juvenile crocodiles were restocked in identified Protected Areas of

the country. The momentum gained in this "headstart'' approach slowed down

after two decades with a false sense of satisfaction that the country has "too

many" crocodilians, perhaps looking at the large number of captive crocodiles in

rearing centres and Zoological Parks. With out following a proper established

protocol of monitoring the well being of the restocked crocodilians in the

Protected Areas and the situation of the riverine and other aquatic habitats in the

country where they were released, soon numerous cases of human-crocodile

conflict, alteration of crocodile habitats and other such issues surfaced, which

culminated in the death of over a hundred Gharials in the Chambal Sanctuary

during early 2008 and creating a Crisis situation. The Gharial is now back again

in the Critically Endangered category, the saltwater crocodile and mugger

crocodiles are increasingly being maligned as a "dangerous crocodilians" and a

threat to human life. The project has only achieved a limited success in bringing

the endangered crocodilians in India to a somewhat "Vulnerable "category but

53


not "safe". It is time to review this national project and consider reorienting the

project with a wider perspective of taking the three species of Crocodilians in

India in to their former distributional limits in the "INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT'

across political boundaries. The need for developing a state by state level review

of the crocodile project and its status and an National Strategy and Action Plan

for Crocodilians can not be over emphasized.

54


ABSTRACT

“NESTING PATTERN OF GHARIAL ( GAVIALIS GANGETICUS) IN NATIONAL CHAMBAL SANCTUARY (2003 – 08)”

R.K. Sharma

Scientist (Field) National Chambal Sanctuary, Morena, (M.P.)

This paper describes the result of a study carried out in the National Chambal

Sanctuary during last six years for the distribution and nesting pattern of Gharial

(Gavialis gangeticus). It has been observed the Gharial prepare a place for

nesting which is about 1 – 3 metres above the river water level and lay eggs at a

distance ranging from 3.5 – 12.0 metres from the river bank. The paper also

describes the total no of Nests, Rate of increase in the nesting effort, clutch size,

No. of hatchlings from 2003-2008.

55


56


PRESENTATION

&

FINDINGS OF REPORTS

Dr AK Sharma Principal Scientist ( Pathology)

Center for Wildlife, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

57


58


PRESENTATION

&

FINDINGS OF REPORTS

Dr A Das Senior Scientist

Center for Wildlife, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

59


60


“GHARIAL ( GAVIALIS GANGETICUS ) MORTALITY IN CHAMBAL RIVER (INDIA): HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS”

A. K. Sharma, D. Swarup*, A. Das*, R. Somvanshi and M. Saini*

Division of Pathology and *Centre for Wildlife

I.V.R.I, Izatnagar (India)

An unprecedented mortality in gharials of Chambal river occurred within a span

of about 2.5 months starting from 8th of December, 2007. A total of more than

100 gharials of around 1.5 meters length died. On postmortem examination the

carcasses were found in advanced stage of autolysis. No apparent external

lesions were noticed. Internally variably congested lungs, discoloured liver,

congested kidneys, subcutaneous haemorrhages, nodular ulcers in stomach,

parasites in lungs and stomach and often empty stomach were the gross

findings. In few cases visceral and articular gout was observed. A total of 22

formalin fixed specimens (15 from Etawah and 7 from Morena) were received for

histopathological examination. The consistent histopathological findings were

noticed in liver. There was severe hepatocytic degeneration with fibrocellular

reaction particularly in portal areas. Importantly, variable number of coccidian

oocytes each containing four sporocysts with two sporozoits were present. These

oocysts were seen within the sinusoids and also in Kupffer cells. The oocysts

were also present in other organs also like kidneys (glomeruli), intestine (lamina

propria and within the enterocytes) and at times in spleen. The kidney revealed

extensive degeneration of tubular epithelial cells with occasionally cystically

dilated tubules containing mucus. The lung and heart sections showed presence

of parasites forming multiple granulomas. Stomach nodules revealed mucosal

cavitation containing round worms and their eggs with extensive fibrosis all

around. The cut sections of round worms were also noticed in the intestinal wall.

Deposition of urates (gout) in liver, kidney, over the epicardium of heart was also

seen in few cases. However, gout was not noticed as consistent finding. It was

concluded that severe parasitic infestation particularly of the coccidian damaging

various organs had significantly contributed towards the mortality of gharials

besides some other incriminating factors particularly very cold climate during the

period.

61


62


“CROCODILES – AN INTRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENTAL ASPEC TS ABOUT THEIR LIFE CYCLE WITH INDIAN HABITAT & CAUSES OF DEATH”

Dr. Rashmi Tripathi, Lecturer in Department of Zoology,

Brahmanand P.G. College, Kanpur. Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT

In India initiatives have been taken for conserving the crocodiles as Nationwide in

Suheli, Girwa, Chambal, River Sharda , Ghaghra, Ramganga and Ganga rivers and

many others rivers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh. Their current

endangered status makes recent events all the more worrying. 76 of the rare reptiles

have died in the river Chambal. The fish in the river do show elevated levels of lead.

The levels are enough to suppress immune system function, The wildlife experts from

Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have confirmed that the deaths of 29 crocodiles in

the Chambal river were caused by a fatal liver disease. The dead gharial have been

sub-adults and young adults (5.5-10 feet long); no mortalities of juveniles have been

reported. Post-mortem examinations carried out on the dead crocodiles have

confirmed cirrhosis of liver as the cause of death from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. 'This

stretch of the Chambal river was regarded as an ideal habitat for the crocodiles.The

sex ratio of the dead gharial has not been definitively determined, but a significant

number are believed to have been males. There were no external physical signs of

injury, and post-mortem investigations of the animals indicated deaths were not due to

drowning in fishing nets, one of the most common causes of mortality in gharials.

Though lead and cadmium as well as a protozoan parasite (Klossiela species) were

found in the dead gharial, none of these has been determined as the cause of the

deaths. There have been no reports of deaths in other river wildlife, and so far water

quality tests have not revealed any toxins or pollution in the area where the dead

gharial have been found. However this does not rule out the possibility of gharial

feeding on fish contaminated with toxins or pathogens that may migrate from the

heavily polluted Yamuna River, which joins the Chambal at the sanctuary’s lowest

extremity.

63


64


POST – MORTEM REPORTS

OF

GHARIAL

(GAVIALIS GANGETICUS)

Dr , J. P. Srivastava Chief Veterinary Officer, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh

65


66


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67


68


Experts summed up the whole conference and appreciated the efforts of

Association of Scientific Research & Development (ASRD), as this is the first

time in India an NGO has taken up the issue and invited specialist and Scientists

working in the field of Gharial, this subject is very sensitive in nature as UN has

already declared it endangered species. Scientists are of the view that this has

also happened due to the toxic tilapia fish which is food for Gharials thus

generated gout in the legs of Gharials of Etawah, Chambal , River. The presence

of uric acid crystals on the flakes of skin. It is also deliberated that the (Pb) Lead

content in the Yamuna water flows from Delhi Mathura Agra, Firozabad & then

Etawah. The led content has created the damage in the kidney liver cirrhoses &

the lung infections due to coccial parasites which was responsible for lungs

infection & defibrillation & death of crocodiles.

Dr. B. P. Singh , Scientist “G”, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of

India, in his key note address informed the scientists that they may chalk out

research oriented work in the area of crocodile based on field visits. He also

appreciated the efforts made by ASRD for organising such national level

conference in a very short time in a scientific manner.

Prof. Dr. R. J. Rao , of Jiwaji University made presentation on “Reproduction

Biology” in Gwalior, M.P & informed about the “captive breeding techniques ex-

situ”.

69


Dr. B. C. Choudhary , Vice President of World Wild Life Institute of India,

Dheradun, Uttranchal, requested the scientists to look into the toxicological

environmental & parasitological aspects & their effects on crocodiles deaths so

far it’s not yet fully investigated. He further informed that the first crocodile was

imported by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, imported male

Gharial from FRG/Germany in 1981, by AIR India Flight, on the condition that the

50% of offspring’s will be given back to FRG, he further informed that BBC has

made a film on Indian Gharials from Tourist point of view. Which has tremendous

scope in Indian conditions as ten Gharials can be seen in One hour gap as

compared to one or two Gharials are seen in abroad. This is one of the area can

also become a tourist business on Gharial habitats.

Dr. A. K. Sharma & Dr. A. Das, of IVRI of Izat nagar, Bareilly. Dr. Sharma

informed the participants that histopathological examination of tissues received

after post-mortem revealed that the led contents are within the limit. However the

presence of fibrosis & parasitic eggs & ozzing out in kidneys and fibrosis parasitic

occurrence damaged the liver & nodules in stomach. The report of the post-

mortems that parasites infections were possibly may be responsible for the

deaths of crocodile in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

Shri. D. Basu , Gharial Conservation Co-ordinator, WWF, at Etawah Field

Station, U.P. gave a account of Gharial captive breeding & also Chambal river

Gharial santctuary, at Etawah,U.P. he further informed that he is monitoring data

at Etawah centre.

70


Dr. D. K. Patel of IITR, Lucknow, U.P informed scientists that lead (Pb) contents

in the samples were very high as compared to China Alligators. Which may be

one of the possibility for renal failure thus leading to deaths of Gharials in

Etawah, UP.

Dr. R. K. Sharma , Scientist from Morena, informed the scientist that very

recently two Gharials died during December & 13th January 2009. & deaths of

Gharials has not yet stopped. Post-Mortem samples has been sent to

Toxicological investigations to IVRI & IITR & Jabalpur M.P.

Dr. Jagdish Chandra , Scientist “F” Ministry of S&T, GOI, addressed all

scientists that this problem remained after one year and is mystery, even after

one year. The problem is utmost important & people who are working in this area

has not attempted the problems properly. He therefore emphasised upon the

scientific community to take it as a challenge & decipher the issue. if agreed

upon the opportunity is available before the S&T community to address the issue

of national importance without further delay. Their existed opportunities for S&T

communities to develop programmes & projects with foreign countries to look into

the problems. This may be addressed through DST International Division, New

Delhi.

The microscopic examination of kidneys tissues has sustained damage because

of toxicants present in the Liver, this has lead to kidney failure and liver cirrhosis

due to the toxic lead, & protozoan parasite, detected in the Gharials (Gavialis

gangeticus) but their concentration was within limit so far. The mystery of Gharial

71


deaths was tough nut to crack, the specialists are of the view that a puzzle of

poison in river environment may be solved by toxicologists.

The pollution present in Yamuna river water which carries the urban & rural

pollution which is also responsible for their deaths.

The Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi had also constituted a Crisis

Management Group on Gharial Conservation to find out the cause of disease

and suggest the mitigation methods and established a monitoring field station at

Etawah, through world Wild Life Fund (WWF) because of the environment

pollution issues involved on the subject matter which is a great concern to all

Scientist of World over.

The first phenomena of death was the proximity of the affected population to the

water of Yamuna river, which is exposed to industrial & urban pollution at several

cities like Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Firozabad and then Etawah.

The second phenomena of death was an exotic variety fish Tilapia (Oreochromis)

of Africa which had been long widely cultured in our country as a food for fish, but

had not escaped into rivers and spreading like a scourge possibly killing off

indigenous river fishes. It was speculated that these fishes carry toxicants with

them from the polluted Yamuna had subsequently been fed upon by the

Chambal Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) thus exposing the reptiles to the effects

of the toxicants.

We have to identify the toxicants with the close interactions of the Scientists,

72


Veterinarians, Toxicologist, Wild Life Scientists of the Country through this

conference. This National level Scientific & Technical NGO of Delhi, Association

of Scientific Research & Development (ASRD), has provided a plat form to the

Indian Scientists to discuss the above issues in details, which has attracted the

attention of World level scientists including Indian Scientists since December

2007. This problem has not yet been solved the mysterious deaths of Gharials by

any agency in India till date. Recently in November 2008 & 13th January 2009

two Gharials also died in District of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, one at village Gyan

Pura and other near by surroundings of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Which were

post-mortemed and vital organs like viscera, kidneys, Livers have been sent to

Jabalpur, M.P, IVRI Izat Nagar, Bareilly, U.P & Indian Institute of Toxicological

Research (IITR), Lucknow, U.P for toxicological investigations. This is very

alarming situation even after laps of one year the deaths of Gharials (Which is

declared endangered species by 145 Nations through (IUCON) a World

conservation Unit & Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species

(CITES) are continued in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. It is a great national loss.

73


74


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76


Recommendations :

The scientists are of the view that this situation will be over only when we will

identify toxicants & successfully remove them from the environment. Which not

threatens the survival of typically endangered species like the Gharials and other

aquatic species also. The scientists from WWI, India Dr. B. C. Choudhary,

Scientist “G”, Deharadun, Uttaranchal, Prof. Dr. R. J. Rao of Jiwaji University,

M.P. who is expert in captive breeding of Gharials, Dr. D. K. Patel, Toxicologist,

Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, Lucknow, Dr. A. K. Sharma, Principal

Scientist, Pathology & Dr. Asis Das, of IVRI, Izat Nagar, Bareilly U.P, Dr. R. K.

Sharma, Scientist from Morena, M.P. who is expert in Gharial rearing, in

Chambal river for the last thirty years, & Shri. D. Basu, Scientist WWF India,

Delhi and presently stationed at Gharial Monitoring Centre at Etawah, to monitor

the data, also participated in two day conference the scientists discussed the

review of crocodile status & conservation in India, crocodile biology, ecological

needs, & the crisis of crocodile deaths and the post mortem reports analysis

were also discussed. It seems that the death crisis was not handled properly due

to lack of scientific details of Gharials including their physiology and anatomy.

After two days deliberations scientists concluded & recommended the following :

It is essential to coordinate with all concerned scientists working in India to

formulate a project on crocodile Biology, ecology & behaviour

reproduction, including monitoring of species in its natural habitat. For

financial assistance may be approached to the Ministry of Science &

Technology, New Delhi, Water analysis to justify the natural environment

to species is very much required

77


A further workshop may be organised by ASRD, Delhi to prepare the

methodology of monitoring the various aspects of such species survival.

Captive breeding & impact on species survival should be taken into

account while formulating the project on Gharials, a critically endangered

species.

The ASRD may coordinate future research programme in association with

other organisations like Jiwaji University, IITR, IVRI, WWI, etc.

The ASRD, Delhi may take up water quality analysis work under a

research programme of DST. All tributaries of Gharial Habitat should be

worked out for this purpose.

78


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79


80


“NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CAUSES OF CROCODILES DE ATH, & PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN ETAWAH, UTTAR PRADESH”

VOTE OF THANKS

By

Ravinder Pratap Singh

Director Association of Scientific Research & Development, (ASRD), Delhi

On the behalf of ASRD, I propose vote of thanks to Padam Sree Dr. Jagdish

Prasad , Addl’ Director General (Health), M.S, Safdarjung Hospital, Principal

VMMC & President of Association of Scientific Research & Development,

provided space without any charge for this Conference, Shri. Anil Kumar , AVP,

BSES ,New Delhi, who delivered inaugural address extempore, as Dr. Prasad

had to perform some emergency operation, Dr. B. P. Singh , Scientist “G”,

Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, who supported this

conference partially, and also took out time from his busy schedule to attend this

conference and delivered key note address. Dr. R. Mehta , Advisor, Ministry of

Environment & Forest, New Delhi. Who appreciated and assured ASRD for an

early release of partial grant for this Conference is under consideration by the

committee. Which was earlier rejected by Mrs. Rita Khanna Additional Director,

Ministry of Environment & Forest application of Conference that Gharials subject

matter doesn’t come under the ambit of Ministry. ASRD submitted details of all

matters to Shri. Bir Singh Parsheera , I.A.S, Special Secretary, Ministry of

Environment and Forest, New Delhi, for reconsideration of application of

conference as they have constituted Gharial Crisis Management Group under

Ministry of Envioronment of Forest.

81


Shri Parsheera could not attend the conference due to preoccupation, but

assured for the early release of Grant for this conference . The application is still

under active consideration by the committee of the Ministry of Environment and

Forest.

Dr. Jadish Chander , Director / Scientist “F”, Ministry of Science & Technology,

Government of India, appreciated the collective efforts of all scientists on this

sensitive issue, informed all scientists that, DST encourages honest efforts of all

organization and individuals. Department of Science & Technology keeps

transparency and honesty. DST has always encouraged these kinds of honest

efforts. This is the first time a scientific & Technical NGO, Association of

Scientific Research & Development, initiated and taken up this kind of sensitive

issue, and came out with a solution.

Dr. D. K. Patel , IITR, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has clearly pointed out the causes

of death due to river pollution is one of the major cause of the death, which may

be contributed by the failure of waste water effluent treatment plants, and

sewerage treatment plants are not working, most of the industries are not treating

their waste and discharging directly in the river stream.

Shri. Dhruvajyoti Basu, WWF India, Dr. A. Das, Dr. A. K. Sharma IVRI, Dr. R.

K. Sharma , Field Scientist, from Morena, Chambal, Uttar Pradesh etc & whole

Scientific community working in the field of crocodile, for the last (30) thirty years.

82


I am also thankful to the Dr, G. R. Singh , Director/Scientist ”F”, Ministry of New &

Renewable Energy, along with his staff, and staff working under the projects of

World Bank, participants from UNDP and other participants from various other

Ministries and Departments. Shri. Madhukar Dwivedi , I.A.S, District Magistrate

of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh , Shri. J. P. Srivastava , Chief Veterinary Officer.

Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, along with Chief Senior Officer Forest Protector (Wild

Animals), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, provided Post-Mortem Reports which clearly

reflects the causes of Gharial deaths.

I hope this will definitely bring some change in the Government policies which is

causing deaths of Gharials in India’s one of the Cleanest river “Chambal” .

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Crocodile (Gavialis Gangeticus India Abstracts & Final Report to DST

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